"I don't have a leader. A lot of people ask If I have a leader and to be honest with you I'm not going to do that until after I take some visits and see some schools."

Cooper will be a three-year varsity member and he'll be a two-year varsity starter in 2002. The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder has been timed in the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds.

"I play defensive end right now but most of the schools recruiting me said they want me to play linebacker. It doesn't matter to me for real. I just want to get on the field. I'm enjoying this whole thing (recruiting) right now and taking everything in." Cooper said.

Cooper had 79 solo tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in 2001. Those numbers were good enough to earn him all-area and all-conference honors.

Jamal does have a leg up when it comes to recruiting. He had the benefit of watching his brother, James Cooper go through the process.

James Cooper is 6-foot-3, 229-pound, sophomore linebacker at Michigan State.

Jamal Cooper also letters in basketball. He camped this summer at Michigan State and currently doesn't have any official visits set up.